I have installed linux Suse9.1 on my laptop and I gave it 25 GB but actually I need to resize it and make it a bit smaller and give mroe space for the windows drive as I need to install some large applications on my windows drive

I opened partition magic 8.0 from windows and i right clicked on the linux partition but for surprise I found the resize button non-activated !!!

So anyone has an idea why this happens ???

Thanx in advance

The last time I used PM, it did not support resizing Linux partitions, only Windows.

then how can i resize my linux partition ??

I logged to linux ->Yast -> System -> Partitioner

but when I try to resize the linux parition it tells me that the drive is mounted so can't be resized

so how am I supposed to unmount the linux parition while I am working on linux ?????

sorry for my many questions but it is really driving me crazy !!

by the way, my linux partition is Ext2

I heard that it is impossible to resize it, is that true ??

The trick is to boot from a Live or Rescue CD (e.g. KNOPPIX). This offers all necessary tools for resizing operations. But be aware that this is always risky! Backup your data!

On command line, the tools are resize_reiserfs (for reiserfs, which is the SUSE default) and cfdisk. Read 'man resize_reiserfs' first, then you won't have problems.

EDIT: Sorry, didn't read you are using ext2. Just looking for the correct tool for this one

EDIT2: Ahh, it is called resize2fs. Should work the same way.

abisko00,

I guess I didnt get your post very well

1- I have installed Suse9.1 from 5 CD's i got from a friend (2 for installation and 3 for programs I guess), so am I supposed to find the tools you mentioned on those CD's ?

2- knowing that i have ext2, what would be the command I should use for resizing ?

3- is the partitioning dangerous on both data on Windows and Linux or only data on Linux ?

4- will the reisze tool give me the possibility to increase the windows partition after resizing the linux paritition ??

sorry for so many questions

to 1.: although KNOPPIX is far more comfortable to use, the rescue system on your SuSE boot CD should do the job also

to 2.: sorry again, obviously my corrections came too late. The tool is resize2fs.

to 3.: Since the partitioner has access to all available partitions, your Windows partitions may be in danger also. Be thoughtful and always sure what you are doing to minimize the risk.

to 4.: I think qparted (available on KNOPPIX) is able to do that, maybe parted (on the SUSE CD) too, but I would recommend to use partition magic for this purpose (since you have this and know it).